Jerry A. Purvine

Jerry A. Purvine, 84, of Okmulgee, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his residence. He was born January 23, 1939 in Okmulgee to the late Wesley Auverne and Mary Elizabeth (Farned) Purvine. Jerry graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1957. During his time in high school, Jerry made lifelong friends with Frank Shurden, Ronnie Smith, Jack Reece, David Carey and Blanchard Reel and they were known as the Woodmen. He lettered in football with the Okmulgee Bulldogs, which led to a football scholarship at NEO. He then attended N.E.O. A & M College in Miami and a member of the Golden Norsemen Football Team and played in the Junior College Rose Bowl. Jerry was later inducted to The Athletes Hall of Fame in Miami. He then attended OSU Tech, where he would later teach for thirty-five years. On October 20, 1963, Jerry and Joanne Mason were united in marriage at the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church in Okmulgee. After his retirement from OSU, Jerry worked for the Department of Agriculture, both federal and state agencies, as an official trapper for Oklahoma. Jerry had a great love of the outdoors, that included fishing and hunting. He was an award winning member of the Oklahoma National Guard Rifle Team, the Okmulgee Lions Club, and a faithful member of Butler Memorial United Methodist Church until its closure, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent. Jerry will be remembered for his willingness to always help others. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Glenda Purvine. Survivors include the love of his life, Joanne; a daughter, Amber Purvine Hodge and husband Stephen, a son, Brett Purvine; grandchildren, Forrest Miller and wife Shelby, Autumn Miller O’Feery and husband Justin, Kymber Purvine, and Tara Ferguson; great granddaughter, Olive O’Ferry; and his brother, Robert Purvine and wife Sandy, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the McClendon-WintersFuneral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Forrest Miller, Stephen Hodge, Justin O’Feery, Mike Purvine, Jeff Warnock and Chris Beck. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Frank Shurden, Chet Munds, Tommy Micheau, Jack Reece and Ron Mills. Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Anthony Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Jerry’s Tribute Page of our website www.mcclendon-winters.com

Jerry A. Purvine

January 23, 1939 - July 12, 2023